Legacy and heritage

The educational legacy of Sheikh Al-Tahir El Shibly, founder of Sudan's first modern primary school in 1912, and how it continues today.

1905 map of Khartoum and Omdurman by Thomas Cook
1905 map of Khartoum and Omdurman by Thomas Cook, showing the area where Sheikh Al-Tahir El Shibly founded Sudan's first modern primary school in 1912.

Sheikh Al-Tahir El Shibly's educational vision

1905 Map of Khartoum and Omdurman by Thomas Cook, showing the area where Sheikh Al-Tahir El Shibly founded Sudan's first modern primary school in 1912

The legacy of education and knowledge that Professor Mekki El Shibly continues today began with his grandfather, Sheikh Al-Tahir El Shibly, who founded Sudan's first modern primary school in 1912 in Omdurman. One of the most prominent students who studied there was former president Ismail al-Azhari in 1913.

Sheikh Al-Tahir established pioneering educational institutions that combined traditional scholarship with modern subjects, creating a foundation for intellectual growth and national identity. His revolutionary approach to education provided opportunities for countless students and helped shape Sudan's educational philosophy.

This powerful legacy of principled leadership and commitment to education as a pathway to societal development and individual empowerment forms the foundation of Professor Mekki El Shibly's dedication to academic excellence and public service—bridging the past with the possibilities of the future.

Educational Legacy in Sudan

The El Shibly family's contributions to Sudanese education span generations and have helped shape the intellectual landscape of the nation. From early literacy initiatives to university-level economic research, this tradition of valuing knowledge continues to influence educational policy and practices throughout the region.

Continuing the tradition

Research Institutes

Building on his grandfather's legacy, Professor El Shibly currently serves as Executive Director of the Mamoun Behairy Centre for Economic and Social Studies and Research in Africa, creating spaces for intellectual exchange and policy formation.

International Collaboration

Through his work with international organizations like BADEA, AOAD, and AAAID, Professor El Shibly has created networks of knowledge exchange between African, Arab, and Western academic institutions, expanding his grandfather's vision to a global scale.

Read the book: ريادة التعليم الأهلي في السودان - من فكرة كري إلى لواء الاستقلال (PDF).